Sphere Recommended Preamp List

This is a master list of phantom powered microphone preamps and computer audio interfaces that contain mic preamps with precision stepped gain adjustment, which provide the simplest user experience when used with a Sphere microphone. When the preamps are digitally controlled these are sometimes referred to as “recallable” or “remotable”.

The Sphere microphone is a dual capsule/dual output microphone and it requires that the input gain of both preamp channels be set to the same level. Sphere uses two channels because it’s not possible to accurately reproduce a microphone’s three-dimensional pickup pattern and proximity effect without recording the front and back of the mic separately.

Using preamps with precision stepped gain makes matching levels very easy, but it is possible to use virtually any preamp with phantom power. If you'd like to use a preamp with continuous gain controls, please read these simple instructions.

If you find any errors or omissions in this document, please let us know through the contact page.

Computer Audio Interfaces

(USB, FireWire, Thunderbolt, AVB, etc.)

This list of computer audio interfaces consists of devices that contain precision digitally controlled mic preamps which provide the best user experience when used with a Sphere microphone, especially when they allow linking two input channels. Please verify specifications and compatibility to ensure the device will work with your system.

If on board DSP processing is not required, then good options to consider are the Apogee Quartet and Ensemble, the MOTU 4pre and 8M, the Fireface UFX and Babyface, the Presonus Studio 192, the Roland Quad-Capture and Octa-Capture and the Avid HD Omni. If price is a primary concern the Roland Quad-Capture is a great choice for those on a budget.

Live Sound Consoles and Preamps

This section contains a list of mixers, consoles and preamps with phantom power that have precision digitally controlled gain (sometimes referred to as “recallable” or “remotable”) and are predominantly used for live sound applications.

Standalone Preamps

This list contains standalone preamps with phantom power that have precision stepped gain either by digital or analog control. Some of these preamps contain A/D converters or some channel strip processing. Some devices are single channel and two units are required for use with the Sphere microphone.

For the analog stepped preamps some of them also have a continuous fine adjustment knob, which must be set properly. Usually, a maximum or middle position works best. It is recommended that you run a calibration procedure with the Sphere microphone, especially if the preamp has a fine adjust knob, to ensure that the levels are matched as expected. Please read these simple instructions for the calibration routine.

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